Victroia’s free for all warrior pacer Bulletproof Boy (Art Official) was forced to call on all his considerable reserves of courage to score in the TAB We’re On Pace at Melton.
The Scott Ewen trained harness racing nine-year-old showed his customary gate speed to find the lead and Ewen was able to dictate the terms of the race to suit himself before sliding down the back straight in 27.1.
Perfect Class, the $3.50 favorite, loomed up and was able to forge a head clear half way down the home stretch however Bulletproof Boy fought back tenaciously to grab victory by a head in a mile rate of 1:53.9.
Bulletproof Boy and Scott Ewen have led throughout to take out the opener tonight at Melton, the Tab We're On Pace. pic.twitter.com/36xh9nGSK6
— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) August 3, 2024
Ewan admitted he almost conceded victory in the home straight.
“I thought Perfect Class had me but he got a head in front and no further,” Ewen said.
“But my bloke doesn’t give up and just keeps trying and he wouldn’t give in,” he said.
Ewen said he was quietly confident prior to the race.
“I told the owners this was his chance to get back to winning as the best horse (Perfect Class) in the race drew 12 and my bloke flies the gate and looked the leader,” he said.
Ewen said there were excuses why Bulletproof Boy was below par in recent weeks.
“He locked wheels in a race four or five starts ago and he hurt his chest and his next couple of runs weren’t up to scratch, but we’ve fixed that issue and he’s back his best now,” he said.
Bulletproof Boy has now won 39 races with a further 42 placings for almost $550,000 in prize money and Ewen is hoping to build on that tally.
“His legs are good and with a bit of luck he should be around for another season or two,” he said.
For complete race results, click here.
by John Dunne, for Harnesslink